Entangled With My Rival CEO

Chapter 87

After ending his call with Clarissa, Reynold placed his phone in the center console storage of his car and gazed out of the window, his mind consumed by frustration and exhaustion.

As he took a deep breath, attempting to find some semblance of calm, a knock on the opposite side of the window startled him.

Turning his attention towards the source of the sound, Reynold's eyes met Megan's shy smile and wave as she leaned forward.

His initial surprise lingered as he reached over and opened the car door for her.

With a flushed face, Megan swiftly entered the car, releasing a relieved breath.

"Thanks," she murmured, casting a brief glance around the car before fixing her gaze on Reynold, who appeared far from excited.

"Why did you choose to meet in your car on the side of the road?" She inquired, a mischievous grin playing on her lips as she observed Reynold.

Reynold let out a weary sigh, his hand instinctively reaching up to rub his forehead.

"I apologize for the unconventional meeting spot, but given the circulating rumors about us having an affair, I had to take extra precautions," He explained, his tone serious.

A playful chuckle escaped Megan's lips as her hand found its way to his thigh, tracing a slow stroke.

"Oh, come on, Reynold. Don't tell me you're actually bothered by those little rumors," she teased.

Reynold sighed once more, the weariness evident in his voice as he removed Megan's hand from his thigh and placed it back on her own lap.

"It's not a matter of being bothered, Megan," he replied, his words weighed down by exhaustion.

"It's the potential impact those rumors can have on both my personal and professional life."

"I'm already going through a challenging time with Clarissa, and the last thing I need is further complications and misunderstandings."

Megan's smile faded slightly, her playful demeanor giving way to a more somber expression as she studied Reynold, who seemed lost in his thoughts, his eyes devoid of their usual spark.

"So, this is about her... You're not worried about the rumors; you're worried about what she thinks about us," she muttered after a moment of silence, a hint of sadness in her voice and Reynold let out a groan of frustration.

"Megan, I..." His voice trailed off as he grappled with finding the right words to convey his thoughts and emotions.

"It's not that simple," he finally managed to say, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

"Yes, Clarissa's opinion matters to me, but it goes beyond that."

"We have a long history together, and despite the difficulties we're facing, there are still unresolved feelings and a deep sense of responsibility that I owe not just to her but to our children," He explained, hoping that Megan would understand.

Megan nodded, giving Reynold the impression that she understood him.

However, her response proved him wrong as she responded.

"And what about us?" she questioned, her tone sharp.

He stared at her, momentarily at a loss for words.

Finally, he mustered a response, his voice filled with sincerity.

"Megan, I genuinely care about you, and while I can't deny the connection between us, I must also face the reality that there can never be 'us' while I'm still married to Clarissa."

"Then divorce her already!" Megan interjected forcefully, the strength and directness in her statement taking him aback.

The weight of Megan's words hung in the car, filling the space with a mixture of frustration and longing.

"If you truly feel the connection between us, if you want to be with me without the constant interference of bloggers and the burden of false rumors, then complete the divorce," Megan implored, locking eyes with Reynold.

"Let's prove to everyone that our relationship is not an affair, but a genuine connection between two souls meant to be together."

"Megan, I need some time... I can't simply divorce my wife without careful consideration, especially considering the impact it could have on our children." He responded and her frown deepened, her eyes shifting away to the car window.

In a soft murmur, almost to herself, she expressed her regret, "I should have never gone on those dates with you... I should have never let you in."

"Megan, please," Reynold pleaded, reaching out to stop her as she made a move to open the car door.

"Don't," she said firmly, her bitterness seeping into her words.

"I genuinely care about you, Reynold, but it's a shame that you don't have the courage to do what's necessary."

"You're a coward, and I'm at least grateful that I realized it sooner rather than later."

With those cutting words, she made another attempt to open the door and leave.

But Reynold, desperate to salvage the situation, held onto her wrist, not wanting to let go.

Megan's anger blazed in her eyes as she demanded, "Let go of me!"

Reynold felt her frustration but remained steadfast, refusing to release his grip.

"Megan, please, just wait," he implored.

But despite his plea, Megan forcefully pulled her arm out of his grasp, her glare fixed upon him.

"Why?" she shouted, her voice filled with pain.

"What good does my waiting do for either of us?"

Silence settled between them as they locked eyes, and Reynold's heart sank as he witnessed tears welling up in Megan's eyes.

Guilt washed over him, knowing he had hurt her deeply.

She let out a heavy sigh, her voice filled with resignation.

"Let's face the truth, Reynold. You're still in love with your wife, and I can't be the one who waits around while you figure things out."

"I deserve someone who can fully commit to me and is willing to take the necessary steps to be together."

She licked her lips, her gaze unwavering.

"I wish you the best in whatever decision you make," she said softly before finally stepping out of the car.

Reynold, not stopping her this time, simply watched her retreating figure, a growing sense of regret gnawing at his conscience.

•~•~•~•~•~

At approximately 10:55 PM, Megan entered the lavish bathroom suite of her opulent hotel room, feeling the burdens of the day gradually dissipate.

The warm, dimly lit space was adorned with marble finishes and soft candlelight, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.

She untied the satin robe that clung to her body, allowing it to gracefully slide down her arms and cascade to the floor, revealing her bare form.

As she approached the large bathtub filled with frothy, bubble-laden water, steam gently rising from its surface, She couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

This was her moment of respite, a chance to indulge in a few precious moments of solitude and self-care.

With a serene smile on her face, she carefully lowered herself into the soothing water, feeling the warmth envelop her body.

She leaned back, allowing the bubbles to caress her skin, their delicate scent permeating the air.

Just within reach, on a small tray by the edge of the tub, sat a bottle of her favorite wine and an elegant glass.

With a graceful stretch, she leaned forward and retrieved the bottle, pouring the rich, crimson liquid into the awaiting glass.

Raising the glass to her lips, she took a slow sip, relishing the velvety notes that danced across her palate.

She gently returned the bottle to the tray, feeling a soothing wave of tranquility enveloping her.

With a desire to enhance her relaxation, she closed her eyes, allowing herself to fully surrender to the peaceful moment.

However, the blissful moment of relaxation was abruptly interrupted by the ringing of her phone, echoing through the serene bathroom.

Irritation creased her forehead, and with a weary sigh, she reached for the phone resting on the nearby vanity.

Glancing at the caller ID, Megan's annoyance was tempered with a tinge of resignation.

Rolling her eyes in anticipation of the upcoming conversation, she answered the phone.

"Hello," she greeted curtly, pressing the phone to her ear.

On the other end, a deep, raspy male voice spoke, "I want an update on Reynold Becknard," the man's voice demanded, his tone firm and unyielding.

Megan's response carried a nonchalant air, undeterred by the firmness in his voice.

"It's the same old story,"

"He remains committed to his wife, just as he was when I first met him."

"However, I'm gradually making progress in persuading him to hasten the divorce process, as you requested," she added.

A brief pause followed before the male voice responded, his impatience seeping through his words.

"You've been on this assignment for months, and yet you're still not making significant progress. I need actual results!"

His voice grew louder, accompanied by a loud bang that made Megan cringe at the sudden noise.

She sighed, frustration seeping through her voice as she responded.

"Look, I've been doing everything within my power to get this job done!'

"Who do you think orchestrated those rumors about me and him?" She questioned exasperatedly.

"I had to pay so much to those greedy bloggers just to spread that news. I deserve more credit and compensation for my efforts!"

A tense silence hung in the air, and Megan wondered if the call had dropped before the male voice spoke again, his tone carrying a hint of concession.

"Fine, I'll send you something good for your effort."

"But the marriage between Reynold and Clarissa Becknard must be dissolved before the end of this year, or else..." His voice trailed off, leaving an ominous implication hanging in the air.

Megan bristled at his threatening tone but maintained her professional demeanor.

"No need to resort to threats. You'll get the results you desire. Just give me the time and space to work my magic."

"Reynold is reaching his breaking point, and with a little more persuasion, he'll be ready to make the necessary decisions," she assured him, a devious smirk curling on her lips.